Rio Powerhouse to Delaware River

This regional gem has regularly scheduled recreational releases, and frequent power releases from Rio Dam. For the release schedule, see Eagle Creek's Release Schedule. Releases are 1 tube or barrel (about 500 cfs) and 2 tube (~1000 cfs).  1 tube requires more maneuvering but has less push making it easier for the less experienced. 2 covers a lot more of the rocks but gives holes and drops more power.  According to an Eagle Creek employee, standard 2 tube policy is to start 1 tube at 10 a.m. and leave 1 tube running till 4 p.m. As you'd expect with paddlers, opinions vary as to which is best or even easiest. Unscheduled Releases Power releases occur frequently on the Rio Reach. As of June 2020, Eagle Creek, the dam operators, started posting a day or 2 ahead generation forecast at Rio on the Mongaup at  https://www.eaglecreekre.com/facilities/operating-facilities/mongaup-river-hydroelectric-system/mongaup-river-system-lake-levels-and-rio-operation-forecast. During extremely wet years all the upstream reseviors get filled and flows get much higher. Around 2k water starts to flow thru trees with force, greatly increasing the consequences of swims. The only guidebook description is in Dennis Squires' 'New York Exposed: The Whitewater State, Volume 2,', which (on p 140) describes the rapids as 'pretty continuous class II and easy class III all the way down to the Delaware.'   In general terms, while the gradient is fairly consistent on this reach, the rapids on the second half of the reach (below the lunch spot) are more sustained than on the upper portion. Save some energy for the rapids under the Route 97 bridge, which may be the most difficult on the river, and for the wave train at the confluence with the Delaware. Especially if the Delaware is high boat recovery after the wave train is a pain so think twice before letting beginners run it. If you still have energy, the Mongaup Wave is a short distance down the Delaware on river right though it ain't what it used to be when enterprising locals might have been modifying the river bed. There are several takeouts. The first one is on river right above the Route 97 Bridge, and avoids the Bridge Rapid and also avoids a significant carry as you can bring the car within 50 feet of the river. There is a good takeout along the Delaware above the confluence. To reach it, eddy out  right at the confluence and head up the left (your right as you face upstream) bank of the Delaware. The takeout is a short distance up on your right. A path leads to the DEC Parking Lot. The takeout for the Mongaup Wave is a sandy beach on the left bank of the Delaware, visible from the wave. This is not a beginner's run. First-time Mongaup paddlers would be well advised to hook up with friends who've done it before, or make contact with experienced local paddlers on the Lehigh Valley Canoe Club Forum or KCCNY both of which run trips for most releases. Note that since 9/11, when the Homeland Security Threat Level is orange or red, the gate to the powerhouse/whitewater recreational facility will be locked. Boaters are permitted to carry down to the put-in, but at present there is no parking near the gate. According to Mirant, the previous licensee, 'When the threat level is raised to 'Orange' or 'Red,' the gate will be closed to vehicular access although access via foot is permitted.' The Neighbors Paddlers should remember that the speed limit on the dirt access road to the put-in is 10 MPH! We urge everyone to obey that limit and to respect the neighbors. We are only there a couple of days a month but they live there. Please show them respect and encourage others to do the same. Upper Section Above the powerhouse is about a mile of free flowing river. As part of the relicensing of the Rio Dam on the Mongaup, Eagle Creek released an additional 125 cfs (in addition to the 100 cfs min flow) below the dam on October 27th.  The study was to  tell us whether the bypassed reach is boatable at 250 cfs (the amount they can release with existing equipment). And we determined that though runnable it was too low to be much fun. Significant wood, general class 2 gradient. (As of April 2022 upper was completely clear). If they ever get more water in this reach it would be nice if the Mongaup was a bit longer, but until then this stretch is only likely to run when the whole the east coast is flooding and you'll have little challenge then finding better rivers. The Eagles In order to protect Bald Eagle nesting habitat, kayaking and other activities on the Mongaup are illegal during the winter season. New York State Law prohibits 'entering onto the surface of the water or ice on the Mongaup River... or entering the upland surrounding those waters as designated by posted signs from December 1 through March 31'. Violation carries a $5,000 fine, and will endanger all boating on the river. ( https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68639.html). Some phone numbers and web addresses: Eagle Creek Renewable Energy Eagle Creek Renewable Energy Phone: (855) 313-ECRE (call to check the status of releases, you may get an actual person). Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC)1-609-883-9500. Google Map of New York Whitewater New York Whitewater Paddlers Facebook Group